This book, along with the two that follow it, really break the mold when it comes to Arthurian legend. These stories are told much more factually, set against feudal Britain. The bit of magic that shows up doesn't dominate the story like all other Arthurian legend. It is much easier to picture this Arthur as having actually existed and the things that happen as having actually happened. It's not even told from the viewpoint of a character that we are used to seeing in King Arthur stories. It paints the characters we're used to seeing in a completely different light - I really ended up hating Lancelot in this series. All three books are well written and the story line keeps you turning those pages. I really, really enjoyed these novels.